Intentional Creation: A New Approach for Musicians in 2025
Make 2025 Your Most Impactful Year (By Doing Less)
I've barely scratched the surface of Cal Newport's latest book "Slow Productivity," but I'm already excited about applying his approach in 2025.
For context, Newport isn't just another productivity guru - he's a Georgetown computer science professor, podcast host, author of several influential books like "Deep Work" and "Digital Minimalism," and a contributing writer for The New Yorker. What makes this feat most impressive? He ends his workdays at 5 PM.
His message about doing less to achieve more feels revolutionary in our "always-on" culture, especially for musicians trying to keep up with the endless demands of the modern industry.
Think about it - we're constantly told to do more:
Release more music. Post more content. Network more. Market more. Learn more instruments. Master more software. The pressure to simultaneously be a great musician, marketer, and business strategist while maintaining a constant social media presence can be overwhelming.
But what if doing less could help us achieve more?
Newport outlines three principles that feel revolutionary for musicians in today's "hustle harder" culture:
Three Simple Principles for Better Music in 2025:
Principle 1: Do Less
Focus on fewer things at once.
Example: 2024 was my year of radical experimentation. Now that I've found my rhythm for 2025, instead of dividing my time between producing music for clients, starting a beatstore, working on sample libraries, running several social media accounts, and doing lots of outreach for new clients, I'm going to be focused on growing one social account, leveraging that as my marketing engine and producing music for a small subset of clients.
Principle 2: Work at Your Own Speed
Honor your natural creative rhythm
Example: Instead of pushing to complete an EP in one month because it seems industry-standard, allow yourself three months to explore your musical ideas deeply, develop your sound, and ensure each track genuinely represents your artistic vision.
Principle 3: Do Your Best Work
When you're not constantly context-switching between music and marketing activities you can dive deeper into each piece of music. This concentrated effort allows for more thoughtful creative decisions.
By streamlining my focus to just growing one social platform and serving a select group of clients, I'll have more creative energy and time to invest in each project.
Think of it this way: Instead of giving 20% of my attention to five different initiatives, I can give 80% to my core client work and 20% to maintaining one strategic marketing channel. This more intentional distribution of energy means I can take the time to perfect arrangements, experiment with new production techniques, and ensure every track meets the highest standards before delivery.
Less mental clutter from managing multiple ventures means more mental space for creativity and technical excellence.
It's about creating the conditions that allow true artistry to flourish.
The goal isn't to produce less but to produce better by giving our work the time and focus it deserves.
🧠 Quote of the week
"You can do anything—but not everything." - David Allen
Need some tools and resources to support your "slow but steady" journey in 2025? I've created a free resource guide featuring my go-to tools for music creation and social media success. Check it out—I'm sure you'll find valuable resources to support your 2025 goals.
Wishing you a happy new year. See you in 2025
Melvin Darrell
